Rikers Jail Closing; Brooklyn Shelter Outrage; East Harlem, Queens Gun Busts: PM Digest

NEW YORK, NY — Here are the top local news stories for Friday, March 31. They come from our 28 neighborhood Patch sites across NYC.

Rikers Island Jail To Be Closed, Mayor Bill De Blasio Says

New York City will shut down the notorious jail on Rikers Island, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday.

Councilwoman Tells De Blasio To Keep His Homeless Plan Out Of Crown Heights

"We don’t see how this current plan is going to work to address the homeless crisis in this community," Laurie Cumbo said.

In Crown Heights, A Basement Uprising Against City's 'Shock' Homeless Shelter Plan

"We just don't want you to Donald Trump us," one Rogers Ave. resident told flustered city officials at a packed emergency meeting Wednesday.

Charges Dropped Against Shia LaBeouf For Allegedly Assaulting Protester

The actor was arrested after allegedly fighting a protester.

Prospect Park Opening Weekend 2017: Full Schedule, Events For 150th Anniversary Celebration

There's a lot going on in Brooklyn’s beloved patch of green this weekend.

Union Square Explosion Caused By Manhole Fire, FDNY Says

People reported hearing a loud boom close to the Strand Bookstore Friday morning. Here's what happened.

Police Find Bazooka, Guns, Drugs During East Harlem Apartment Raid

The two men living in the apartment were arrested on weapons and drug charges.

Gun Runners Who Sold Weapons From a Home Depot Parking Lot in Queens Arrested, DA Says

The pair brought the guns to Queens via the I-95 "Iron Pipeline," the DA said.

NYC Comptroller Slams Trump Tax Plan: 5 Takeaways

Comptroller Scott Stringer released a damning analysis of Trump's tax plan, saying it's "written by millionaires, for millionaires."

Trader Joe's Announces Opening For 2nd Upper West Side Store

Find out when the popular grocery store chain will open on the Upper West Side’s northern end.

Petition Aims to Preserve History of Richmond Hill

The petition, started by Richmond Hill Historical Society, aims to preserve the character of the neighborhood.

Smorgasburg To Bring Prison Cuisine And Spaghetti Donuts To Williamsburg and Prospect Park This Weekend

You don't know what they are. But you want them.